Getting the Desktop of Your Dreams: Launchy and Docks (Part 2)

So, I know it’s been a while since my last post, but here is the second part of my series on customization.

We are all familiar with desktop icons, but if you want another way to arrange them, here are a few things to try:

Launchy: Are you a keyboard person? Then this is the applet for you. Type in what you want and it launches it. Even if you don’t want to use it as a full-on launcher, it makes a great search-utility. it is also 100% customizable. You can use skins from Deviant Art or even make your own! Get it here (if you don’t like it at first, give it time, it will grow on you).

Docks: I must admit, one of the best features of Macs are the docks. If you only have a few desktop icons, or want a more (or less) minimalistic look, a dock might just be the answer to your prayers. Having a dock doesn’t mean you have to give up your taskbar though, if you do it right, they might just compliment each other. My absolute favourite is ObjectDock, but there are many others, such as RocketDock, or CircleDock. If you don’t like those annoying pop-up effects you can turn them off. For more insight on docks, visit TalkingPyjamas under “Boating in Windows Vista”

Fences: If your desktop is very cluttered, then Fences is what you want. it lets you organize your icons into self-contained groups, that you can then move around, or ever auto-hide. Fences.